Orthodox from year to year sacredly observe various holidays, including both long and short ones. You can learn about the time when the Assumption Fast begins, and how to eat right during it, from a special calendar that is in Orthodox churches. In it, the clergy detail the rules for observing this short period.
History of Dormition Fast
In the first centuries of Christianity, the Dormition fast was already recognized. Even Pope Saint Leo I the Great (he was at the head of the church for 21 years - from 440 to 461) clearly indicated the dates when the Dormition fast begins. Even then, it was on the list of the 4 most important Orthodox holidays.
But it was finally installed only in 1166. It was marked by the holding of the famous Council of Constantinople. At the same time, a holiday was chosen to coincide with this period.
Beginning of Dormition Fast
Information, from what date the Assumption Fast begins, can be remembered once and for all, because, unlike many other Orthodox dates, it does not change. Fasting starts August 14th. He's prettyshort and lasts only 2 weeks. Ends on the 27th of the same month. In 2016, the beginning and end of fasting fall on weekends. This is incredibly convenient, because it's easier to change your mode.
The name of this summer holiday appeared thanks to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. As a matter of fact, the post is dedicated to him. The celebration falls on August 28 - the day after the period of restrictions. This is the only post dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
The time when the Dormition Fast begins is marked by the triumph of the Origin of the Honest Trees of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord. This celebration is accompanied by a procession and the consecration of various places. It is assumed that such activities will be able to prevent or cure diseases if treated with great faith.
The beginning of Lent falls on another big Orthodox holiday - the Honey Spas. From this day on, people who observe church rules are blessed to eat honey.
Food during Lent
The state of mind is the most important thing when fasting. The priests say that it is necessary to devote the maximum time to prayer, to behave diligently and serve to please God.
But nutrition is also extremely important. Moreover, this post is one of the 4 most strict, and the clergy equate it to the Great because of the need for restrictions. That is why fasting people are advised to give up meat and dairy products, as well as eggs.
But the list of allowed productsbig enough to hold:
- fruit,
- vegetables,
- decoctions,
- teas,
- compotes,
- gray bread,
- honey,
- mushrooms,
- cereals,
- nuts.
For the entire time when the Dormition Fast begins and ends, only the above foods can be eaten.
Detailed meals by day
There are restrictions on food and on the days of the week. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, for example, for fasting people, is the time when you need to adhere to a raw food diet. On this day, you should be content with only fruits and vegetables, dried fruits and nuts, as well as honey. Vegetable oil is prohibited.
Tuesday and Thursday are hot meals, but adding oil is also prohibited.
Saturday and Sunday are the easiest days. At this time, all of the above products with the addition of oil are allowed. Wine is also allowed.
Slight relaxation and lifting of restrictions is possible for:
- pregnant,
- sick,
- children.
In addition, it is allowed to eat fish on the day of the Transfiguration of the Lord, which is celebrated on August 19.
True, nutrition experts do not recommend strictly adhering to the fast for the first time. So you can only spoil your well-being without receiving spiritual purification. Priests also argue that for any he alth problems, it is better to fast, not to pray strictly and intensely, because spirituallimitation is much more important than bodily. Based on this, even on days when an exclusively raw food diet is allowed, you can eat hot food, and sometimes add oil. The main prohibited foods should still be abandoned.
Additional restrictions while fasting
August 14, Assumption Lent begins. Throughout this period, the church does not welcome the holding of any celebrations. And the wedding is included in this list. It is recommended to devote this time to prayers, take care of bodily and spiritual cleansing, and not indulge in entertainment.
By the way, the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is interpreted as an opportunity to get rid of the fear of death. According to the legend, the Virgin Mary knew in advance about the time of her transition to another world. So she decided to prepare for it with intense prayer and fasting. And this despite the fact that her whole life was a model of sacrifice.
The time when the Dormition Fast begins is one of the most significant for the Orthodox. During this period, the clergy try to observe all the traditions and restrictions associated with the holiday.
